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This Tampa Prep Team Is Different

By JARRETT GUTHRIE

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - At first glance, the difference between last year's state champion team and this year's Tampa Prep girls soccer team is the loss of two players.

But when Tampa Prep (17-3-3) takes the field at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium in the Class 2A state semifinals at 7:15 tonight against Delray Beach American Heritage, being the defending champ doesn't mean too much.

As Coach Pam Smith put it, "This isn't that team."

Having lost high-scoring Chelsea Klotz and defensive-minded Carrie Field to graduation, Smith said she has something just as valuable - a close-knit team.

"These 18 girls are together on and off this field," Smith said. "Last year, we had great players who came together and were excellent on the field, but when the game was over they all went their separate ways."

"This year, we definitely have one team. Together."

Another big change from last season is the consistency of the lineup, as injuries and illnesses have nagged Tampa Prep this season. Senior striker Paige Goodwin could not play until midway through the season while recovering from knee surgery. Tampa Prep has gotten excellent play from freshman forward Colby Maffei, who leads the team with 30 goals, but Maffei missed nine matches with an abdominal strain. Sophomore Jackie Rosenthal missed the district and regional playoffs with an illness.

The Terrapins have had individuals step forward to pick up the slack. Now, the illnesses and injuries are subsiding, and at just the right time.

Goodwin and Maffei have led the way in the playoffs. Goodwin has scored 10 of her 15 goals in district and region play, and along with Maffei, Taylor Richardson (15) and Amber Miller (10), the Terrapins have four players in double digits in goals this season.

A young defense consisting of Lauren Knoke, Fer Roberts, Isabel Dalence, Gabby Cook and goalkeeper Jordan Hatton has matured and improved since last season.

That defense will be tested by American Heritage (22-3-2), a young team that has one senior and plays two eighth-graders. The Stallions have scored 150 goals this season, while giving up only 15.

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